Apparatus For The Suspended Or Lying Display Of Articles

ABSTRACT

The arrangement designed for displaying articles in a hanging or lying state first comprises a plug-in sleeve ( 4 ), which at the front has an open shaft ( 42 ) extending into the interior of the plug-in sleeve ( 4 ). On the inside, the plug-in sleeve ( 4 ) has a locking contour ( 45 ), which is arranged as an elevation at the top in the shaft ( 42 ). The plug-in sleeve ( 4 ) is intended for fastening to a back side ( 91 ) of a supporting structure ( 9 ). The shaft ( 42 ) leads to a front side ( 90 ) of the supporting structure ( 9 ). The apparatus further comprises a carrier ( 1,2 ), which has a plug part ( 10,20 ) intended to be inserted into the shaft ( 42 ) with a rear edge ( 11,21 ) first. The plug part ( 10,20 ) has a flat cross-section and has a mating contour ( 12,22 ), which is intended to engage with the locking contour ( 45 ) on the plug-in sleeve ( 4 ) and designed as a recess. The carrier is used to directly receive articles or to support a rack ( 3 ). The configuration of the plug part ( 10,20 ) and plug-in sleeve ( 4 ) forces the insertion of the plug part ( 10,20 ) into the plug-in sleeve ( 4 ) with the rear edge ( 11,21 ) lowered. The engagement between the locking contour ( 45 ) and mating contour ( 12,22 ) as a locked state is not achieved until the carrier ( 1,2 ) is moved with an upwardly traveling rear edge ( 11,21 ) of the plug part ( 10,20 ). The locking contour ( 45 ) is arranged at the top center in the shaft ( 42 ) of the plug-in sleeve ( 4 ), while the mating contour ( 12,22 ) is located axially centered in the plug part ( 10,20 ). In the second version, the carrier ( 2 ) has a shaft ( 25 ), which connects to the plug part ( 20 ) and can be docked to a console ( 5 ) to which a rack ( 3 ) is fastened.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an arrangement for displaying articles in a hanging or lying state using a plug-in sleeve, which can be inserted into a carrying structure, and a carrier, which can be introduced into the plug-in sleeve. Carrying structures are typically formed by panels, rear walls and supports. Such arrangements are used predominantly in shops and exhibitions for presenting goods. The carrier serves either for receiving the articles or for supporting a bearing means, which may be, for example, in the form of a shelf, a box or a rack.

PRIOR ART

A first type of arrangement is known from WO 2006/086897 A1, where the plug-in sleeve contains a clearance, in which a fixed, upright arresting element on the carrier plug-in part, which should be introduced in the first instance in an inclined manner into the plug-in sleeve, engages after it has been oriented horizontally.

In the case of a further type of arrangement according to WO 97/26809 A1 and DE 202 02 856 U1, an arresting element which can be pushed in elastically projects radially out of the carrier plug-in part, which, in the state in which it has been plugged into the plug-in sleeve, latches into a clearance arranged therein.

A next, punctiform type of arrangement has, on the plug-in part of the carrier, a depression, into which there latches, in the state in which it has been plugged in into the plug-in sleeve, a resilient tongue element which is seated therein.

Finally, WO 2007/071 079 A1 and WO 2005/055 774 A1 disclose a type of arrangement where the plug-in sleeve contains a raised arresting element which engages in a clearance in the carrier plug-in part, which should be introduced in the first instance in an inclined manner, after it has been oriented horizontally. The present invention is concerned with the last-mentioned type of arrangement.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Taking the arrangements of the generic type as a departure point, it is an object of the invention to simplify the design, which likewise manages without resilient elements and can be cost-effectively mass-produced and assembled.

It is a further object, with modification of the carrier used, for a bearing means to be supported thereon in a transversely or longitudinally oriented manner in relation to the plug-in sleeves, which are inserted systematically in a carrying structure, in particular a vertical panel.

Finally, it is an object of the invention for it to be possible for the bearing means also to be arranged obliquely in a transversely and longitudinally oriented manner —e.g. for the purpose of displaying shoes—these bearing means being docked on plug-in sleeves mounted at the same height level within a framework, and with the upper edges and/or the lower edges of the transversely and longitudinally oriented bearing means, in the interests of an ordered appearance, to be positioned along a horizontal line in each case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The arrangement for displaying articles in a hanging or lying state comprises:

-   -   a) a plug-in sleeve, wherein the latter:     -   aa) has a cavity, which is open on the front side and extends         into the interior of the plug-in sleeve;     -   ab) has, on its inside, an arresting contour, which is arranged         as an elevation at the top of the cavity;     -   ac) is intended for fastening on a rear side of a carrying         structure; and     -   ad) the cavity opens out on a front side of the carrying         structure; and     -   b) a first or second version of carrier, wherein the latter:     -   ba) has a plug-in part, which is intended for introduction into         the cavity with a rear edge in front;     -   bb) the plug-in part is of flat cross section and has a mating         contour, which is provided for engagement with the arresting         contour on the plug-in sleeve and is designed as an aperture;         and     -   bc) serves for receiving articles directly or for supporting a         bearing means.

The configuration of the plug-in part and plug-in sleeve inevitably causes the plug-in part to be introduced into the plug-in sleeve with the rear edge lowered. The engagement between the arresting contour and mating contour, as a locked state, is established for the first time following movement of the carrier with the rear edge of the plug-in part traveling upward. The arresting contour is arranged centrally at the top of the cavity of the plug-in sleeve. The mating contour is located axially in the center of the plug-in part.

Specific embodiments of the arrangement, applying in the first instance to a first or second version of carrier, will be described hereinbelow:

The arresting contour begins, behind the opening of the cavity, with a downwardly running slope and ends at a wedge-shaped formation, behind which the cavity is elevated in height again. The mating contour is designed as a through-passage which is located in the vicinity of the rear edge of the plug-in part.

The plug-in sleeve is made up, in one piece, of a plate-like, vertical flange and of a sleeve part, which extends from a front side and a rear side of the flange and projects through the flange in the process. The opening at the front of the cavity contains an elevated shoulder, behind which the cavity continues with a downward slope. The cavity, at a rear exit, has a rear wall.

A second version of carrier will be assumed for the time being.

The carrier has a shank which follows the plug-in part and can be docked onto a bracket, on which a bearing means is fastened.

The carrier has an angled portion at the transition between the plug-in part and shank, as a result of which the plug-in part and the shank end up located on two parallel planes which are spaced apart from one another by an angular-offset portion.

At the transition from the plug-in part to the angled portion, the carrier has first shoulders, which are produced by widening on either side, in the region of the angled portion, in relation to the plug-in part. The carrier, in the region of the shank, has second shoulders, which are produced by the shank being narrowed on either side as far as its front edge. A longitudinal slot is provided, this extending axially into the shank, being open toward the front edge and having a widened portion of, for example, circular shape along its course.

The bracket has a first mount and a second mount, these being offset at an angle, preferably by 90°, in relation to one another. It is thus possible for a bearing means arranged on the bracket to be positioned in a transversely or longitudinally oriented manner in relation to the front side of the Carrying structure by way of a carrier, which is docked in one of the mounts by way of its shank and of which the plug-in part rests in the cavity of a plug-in sleeve inserted into a carrying structure.

The first mount on the bracket is provided for lateral docking, and the second mount thereof is provided for axial docking, of the shank of a carrier. A shank of a carrier which is docked in the first mount of the bracket is guided by walls of the bracket which are present on either side of the first mount. A shank of a carrier which is docked in the second mount of the bracket is guided by a crosspiece which extends axially into the second mount and travels into the longitudinal slot of the shank as the latter is being docked.

The bracket is at a different height in the region of the first mount than in the region of the second mount, as a result of which the bearing means arranged on the bracket, and supported by a plug-in sleeve inserted into a carrying structure, is at a slant, support being provided here by means of a carrier, of which the plug-in part rests in the cavity of the plug-in sleeve and the shank rests in one of the mounts of the bracket. In each case one latching element projects into each of the mounts, this latching element being seated on an elastic tongue and, with the shank docked as intended in the selected mount, coming into arrested engagement with the widened portion within the longitudinal slot.

Bearing means fitted in a longitudinally and transversely oriented manner on plug-in sleeves installed at the same height in the carrying structure have their upper edges and/or lower edges positioned in a coordinated manner, by way of dimensioning of the difference in height in the brackets in the region of the first and of the second mounts and of dimensioning of the angular-offset portion on the carriers, and of the ability to use the carriers in different directions, that is to say with the angled portion sloping upward or downward in relation to the plug-in sleeve, such that all the upper edges end up located on a common horizontal first level and/or all the lower edges end up located on a common horizontal second level.

The bracket, in the region of the first mount, which is intended for fitting the bearing means in a transversely oriented manner, is at a lower height than in the region of the second mount, which serves for fitting the bearing means in a longitudinally oriented manner. When the bearing means is fitted in a transversely oriented manner, the carrier is used with the angled portion sloping upward in relation to the plug-in sleeve and, when the bearing means is fitted in a longitudinally oriented manner, the carrier is used with the angled portion sloping downward in relation to the plug-in sleeve.

For the purpose of fastening the bracket, e.g. by means of screws or adhesive bonding, bushings are provided on an underside of the bearing means and fixing elements are provided on the bracket. The first shoulders on the carrier can be used for limiting the depth to which the plug-in part is plugged into the cavity of the plug-in sleeve, and the second shoulders on the carrier can be used for limiting the depth to which the shank can be plugged into the mounts of the bracket.

The rest of this summary relates to the use of a first version of carrier.

The carrier has a shank which follows the plug-in part, consists, for example, of cross-sectionally round or rectangular rod material and can be used for receiving articles directly.

As an alternative, the carrier has a primary carrier part which follows the plug-in part in aligned or angled fashion and:

-   -   a) is of plate-like configuration and extends transversely or         longitudinally in relation to the plug-in part; or     -   b) is of U-shaped configuration with two arm-like extensions; or     -   c) is in the form of a hook strip with a plurality of hooks.

The primary carrier part can be used for receiving articles directly.

In the next alternative, the carrier has a secondary carrier part which follows the plug-in part in aligned or angled fashion, is, for example, of sheet-like form and serves for fastening a bearing means, that is to say preferably by being plugged into a groove in a rear edge of the bearing means. The bearing means can be used for receiving articles directly.

In a further alternative, the carrier has a secondary carrier part which follows the plug-in part, is of fork-like configuration and has an outwardly open slot in order to fit a rear edge of a bearing means, e.g. a glass shelf, therein. In order to prevent slippage, and to safeguard the edges and surfaces, of the bearing means, the slot may be provided, at least in part, with a buffer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A—shows a perspective view of an example of a construction with the arrangements according to the invention, comprising a panel as the carrying structure, plug-in sleeves inserted therein, carriers secured therein, and bearing means, oriented transversely and longitudinally, supported thereby;

FIG. 1B—shows a side view of the construction according to FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C—shows a plan view of the construction according to FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A—shows a front view, in perspective, of a complete plug-in sleeve from FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B—shows a rear view, in perspective, of the plug-in sleeve according to FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C—shows a vertical section through the plug-in sleeve according to FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A—shows a perspective view of a first version of carrier from FIG. 1A with a cross-sectionally round shank;

FIG. 3B—shows a perspective view of a first version of carrier with a cross-sectionally rectangular shank;

FIG. 3C—shows a perspective view of a first version of carrier with a fork-like shank;

FIGS. 4A to 4E: shows the principle of function of the arrangement in three phases of positioning

FIG. 4A—shows the first positioning phase: the plug-in sleeve according to FIG. 2A has been inserted into a carrying structure, and a carrier according to FIG. 3A is in close proximity to the opening of the cavity of the plug-in sleeve with its plug-in part inclined;

FIG. 4B—shows the second positioning phase: the construction according to FIG. 4A, with the plug-in part of the inclined carrier pushed all the way into the cavity of the plug-in sleeve, but in the unlocked state;

FIG. 4C—shows the third positioning phase: the construction according to FIG. 4B, with the plug-in part of the horizontally oriented carrier pushed all the way into the cavity of the plug-in sleeve, in the locked state;

FIG. 4D—shows a front view, in perspective, of the construction according to FIG. 4C;

FIG. 4E—shows a rear view, in perspective, of the construction according to FIG. 4C;

FIG. 5A—shows a plan view, in perspective, of a bracket mounted beneath the bearing means in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5B—shows a different plan view, in perspective, of the bracket according to FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C—shows a bottom view, in perspective, of the bracket according to FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A—shows a plan view, in perspective, of a second version of carrier, which is in the complete state and is mounted between the brackets and the plug-in sleeves in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6B—shows a plan view of the second version of carrier according to FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A—shows a plan view, in perspective, of a construction made up of a transversely oriented bearing means, of a bracket according to FIG. 5A mounted therebeneath, and of a second version of carrier according to FIG. 6A plugged therein;

FIG. 7B—shows a bottom view, in perspective, of the construction according to FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A—shows a front view of the construction according to FIG. 7A docked in a plug-in sleeve inserted in the carrying structure;

FIG. 8B—shows a bottom view, in perspective, of the construction according to FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C—shows a side view of the construction according to FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D—shows the construction according to FIG. 8C, with the bearing means being shown in a transversely running vertical section;

FIG. 8E—shows the construction according to FIG. 8A, with the bearing means being shown in a longitudinally running vertical section and the plug-in sleeve being emphasized;

FIG. 8F—shows the construction according to FIG. 8C, with the brackets, the carrying structure and the plug-in sleeve being shown in a longitudinally running section which is inclined in relation to the horizontal;

FIG. 9A—shows a side view of a construction made up of a longitudinally oriented bearing means, of a bracket according to FIG. 5A mounted therebeneath and of a second version of carrier according to FIG. 6A plugged therein, docked in a plug-in sleeve inserted in the carrying structure;

FIG. 9B—shows a longitudinally running vertical section through the construction according to FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C—shows the construction according to FIG. 9A, with the bearing means, the carrying structure and the plug-in sleeve being shown in a longitudinally running section which is inclined in relation to the horizontal;

FIG. 10—shows a basic illustration relating to the mutually coordinated transverse and longitudinal orientation of bearing means arranged on the carrying structure;

FIG. 11A—shows a perspective view of a first version of carrier with a primary carrier part of plate-like, transversely extending configuration following the plug-in part in aligned fashion;

FIG. 11B—shows a perspective view of the carrier according to FIG. 11A with a longitudinally extending primary carrier part following in angled fashion;

FIG. 11C—shows a perspective view of a first version of carrier with a primary carrier part of U-shaped configuration following the plug-in part in aligned fashion;

FIG. 11D—shows a perspective view of a first version of carrier with a primary carrier part in the form of a hook strip following the plug-in part;

FIG. 11E—shows a perspective view of a first version of carrier with a secondary carrier part of sheet-like configuration following the plug-in part in aligned fashion and with an associated bearing means in close proximity;

FIG. 11F—shows a perspective view of a first version of carrier with a secondary carrier part of fork-like configuration following the plug-in part; and

FIG. 11G—shows a plan view, in perspective, of a construction made up of two carriers according to FIG. 11F and of a bearing means plugged therein.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

A detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, with design variants for different applications, will be given hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The following applies to the rest of the description. If, in order to avoid ambiguity in the drawings, a figure contains designations which are not explained in the directly associated text of the description, then reference is made to the point at which they are mentioned in previous or following descriptions of the figure. For reasons of clarity, components are not usually designated again in subsequent figures, provided that it is clear from the drawings that they are “recurring” components.

FIGS. 1A to 1C

The display wall configured by way of example has, as its carrying structure 9, a panel with the front side 90 and the rear side 91. The carrying structure 9 has clearances 92 which are arranged at unit spacings apart on horizontal lines and serve for receiving plug-in sleeves 4 mounted on the rear side 91. First carriers —in the form of carrying arms—can be plugged into the individual plug-in sleeves 4, these carriers serving for receiving articles directly. Second carriers 2, which can likewise be plugged into the plug-in sleeves by way of their plug-in end, have the purpose of securing a bracket 5, which, for its part, carries a bearing means 3 fixed thereon. The two lines shown by way of example are each fitted with two plug-in sleeves 4 in two vertical rows. A bearing means 3 is positioned obliquely in a transversely oriented manner on the plug-in sleeve 4 at the top left, and a bearing means 3 is positioned obliquely in a longitudinally oriented manner in the plug-in sleeve 4 at the top right, each by means of a second carrier 2. A first carrier 1 has been plugged into the plug-in sleeve 4 at the bottom left, whereas the plug-in sleeve 4 at the bottom right is unoccupied. The first carrier 1 and the bearing means 3 project freely from the front side 90 and are therefore directed toward, for example, customers.

FIG. 2A to 2C

The plug-in sleeve 4 is made up of a flange 40, which is located in a vertical plane and has the front side 401 and the rear side 402 located opposite, and a sleeve part 41, which projects horizontally through the flange 40. A continuous cavity 42 runs in the direction in which the sleeve part 41 extends, this cavity, on the one hand, opening in the outward direction on the front side 401 and, on the other hand, ending at the rear wall 49, wherein the rear wall 49 contains a narrowed exit 48, although the latter is advantageous only for die-casting purposes, but is otherwise of no importance for the function of the plug-in sleeve 4. Beginning on the upper side of the cavity 42, remote from the opening of the latter, is a slope 46 which is inclined downward into the depth of the cavity 42, and in the direction of the rear wall 49, and ends at a wedge-like formation 47, behind which the cavity 42 is abruptly elevated. A free space remains between the wedge-shaped formation 47 and rear wall 49. The slope 46 and wedge-shaped formation 47 together form the arresting contour 45. An elevated shoulder 43 is located at the bottom at the opening of the cavity 42, this shoulder being followed by a downward slope 44, which extends to the rear wall 49. The flange 40 projects beyond the sleeve part 41 laterally, and to the top and bottom, in each case. Ribs 403, which serve for stiffening the plug-in sleeve 4, extend from the sleeve part 41 on the rear side 402 of the flange. For the purpose of fastening the plug-in sleeve 4 on the rear side 91 of the carrying structure 9, the flange 40 has a plurality of through-holes 404, in which screws can be fitted. A directional marking on the rear side 402 indicates the intended orientation of the plug-in sleeve 4 for assembly purposes.

FIGS. 3A to 3C

The shanks 15 of the first version of carrier 1 can extend rectilinearly, in principle horizontally, into space and are of round or rectangular cross section or may be loop-like in form. As an alternative to this, it would also be conceivable to have other typical shapes of carrying arm, for example angled, stepped or provided with extensions. The shank 15 is followed by an in principle rectangular, flat plug-in part 10. The plug-in part 10 ends at a rear edge 11 and has a through-passage which is adjacent to this rear edge, constitutes a mating contour 12 and is preferably rectangular.

FIGS. 4A to 4E

This series of figures depicts the functional principle of the suspension arrangement, comprising the plug-in sleeve 4 and first carrier 1, with reference to the three characteristic positioning phases for fitting a carrier 1 into the plug-in sleeve 4.

FIG. 4A (First Positioning Phase)

The starting point is a plug-in sleeve 4 which has been inserted into a clearance 92 in a carrying structure 9, wherein the front side 401 of the flange butts against the rear side 91 of the carrying structure 9 and the sleeve part 41 has the opening of the cavity 42 projecting minimally from the front side 90 of the carrying structure 9. A carrier 1 is in close proximity to the opening of the cavity 42 of the plug-in sleeve 4, with its plug-in part inclined, and is introduced into the cavity 42.

FIG. 4B (Second Positioning Phase)

With the carrier 1 still inclined, the plug-in part 10 is pushed all the way into the cavity 42 of the plug-in sleeve 4 until the rear edge 11 of the plug-in part 10 strikes against the rear wall 49 of the plug-in sleeve 4. Inclination of the carrier 1 is made possible by the downward slope 44 in the cavity 42 and is rendered inevitable by the slope 46. In the first instance, the mating contour 12, which is present on the plug-in part 10, is still disengaged from the arresting contour 45 of the plug-in sleeve 4, that is to say an unlocked state is present.

FIGS. 4C to 4E (Third Positioning Phase)

Once the carrier 1 has been oriented horizontally, the arresting contour 45 passes into the mating contour 12. The lower region of the plug-in part 10 is supported on the shoulder 43 in the cavity 42. The at least partial form fit between the arresting contour 45 and mating contour 12 means that the carrier 1 is then located in the arrested end position and cannot be pulled out axially without release of the locking between the arresting contour 45 and mating contour 12 by virtue of the carrier 1 being raised obliquely with upward movement of the shank 15. The steps for removing a carrier 1 arrested in the plug-in sleeve 4 take place in reverse order.

FIGS. 5A to 6B

The bracket 5 is a trough-like, more or less cuboidal structure with two longitudinal sides and two narrow sides. A fixing element 50, which serves for fastening the bracket 5 on the bearing means 3, is positioned on each narrow side. The bracket 5 has a first mount 51 and a second mount 52, these being offset at an angle, preferably by 90°, in relation to one another. The first mount 51 on the bracket 5 is provided for lateral docking, and the second mount 52 thereof is provided for axial docking, of the shank 25 of a carrier 2. It is thus possible for a bearing means 3 arranged on the bracket 5 to be positioned in a transversely or longitudinally oriented manner in relation to the front side 90 of the carrying structure 9 by way of a carrier 2, which is docked in one of the mounts 51,52 by way of its shank 25 and of which the plug-in part 20 rests in the cavity 42 of a plug-in sleeve 4 inserted into a carrying structure 9.

A shank 25 of a carrier 2 which is docked in the first mount 51 of the bracket 5 is guided by walls of the bracket 5 which are present on either side of the first mount 51. A shank 25 of the carrier 2 which is docked in the second mount 52 of the bracket 5 is guided by a crosspiece 53 which extends axially into the second mount 52 and travels into the longitudinal slot 29 of the shank 25 as the latter is being docked. The region of the first mount 51 of the bracket 5 is at a different height than the region of the second mount 52, as a result of which the bearing means 3 which is arranged on the bracket 5, and is supported by a plug-in sleeve 4 inserted into a carrying structure 9, is at a slant. Support is provided here by means of a carrier 2, of which the plug-in part 20 rests in the cavity 42 of the plug-in sleeve 4 and the shank 25 rests in one of the mounts 51,52 of the bracket 5. In each case one latching element 55 (which can be seen from FIG. 8A onward) projects into each of the mounts 51,52 on the bracket 5, this latching element being seated on an elastic tongue 54 and, with the shank 25 docked as intended in the selected mount 51,52, coming into arrested engagement with the widened portion 291 within the longitudinal slot 29.

The second version of carrier 2 has a shank 25 which follows the plug-in part 20 and can be docked onto the bracket 5, on which a bearing means 3 can be fastened. This carrier 2 has an angled portion 27 at the transition between the plug-in part 20 and shank 25, as a result of which the plug-in part 20 and the shank 25 end up located on two parallel planes which are spaced apart from one another by an angular-offset portion a. The carrier 2, at the transition from the plug-in part 20 to the angled portion 27, has first shoulders 26, which are produced by widening on either side, in the region of the angled portion 27, in relation to the plug-in part 20. The carrier 2, in the region of the shank 25, has second shoulders 28, which are produced by the shank 25 being narrowed on either side as far as its front edge 290. A longitudinal slot 29 is provided, this extending axially into the shank 25 along the center, being open toward the front edge 290 and having a widened portion 291 of, for example, circular shape along its course.

FIGS. 7A to 8F

The construction comprises, in the first instance (see FIGS. 7A and 7B), the bearing means 3 with bushings 32 which extend from the underside 31 and in which engage screws 59, whereby the bracket 5 is mounted on the bearing means 3, and also comprises a second version of carrier 2 plugged into the first mount 51 of the bracket 5. On account of the first mount 51 being selected for docking the shank 25, the bearing means 3 is oriented transversely. The upper side 30 of the bearing means 3 is intended for displaying articles. The construction assembled to this extent from the bearing means 3, bracket 5 and second version of carrier 2 is docked, by way of its plug-in part 20, in a plug-in sleeve 4 inserted into the carrying structure 9, and therefore the bearing means 3 also ends up located in a transversely oriented manner in relation to the front side 90 of the carrying structure 9 (see FIGS. 8A to 8F). For fitting the bearing means 3 in an inclined transversely oriented manner, the carrier 2 is used with the angled portion 27 sloping upward in relation to the plug-in sleeve 4.

FIGS. 9A to 9C

As an alternative to the previous series of figures, here, the shank 25 of the second version of carrier 2 has been docked in the second mount 52 of the bracket 5, and therefore the bearing means 3 is positioned in an inclined longitudinally oriented manner, i.e. the upper side 30 of the bearing means has been rotated by 90° in relation to the transverse orientation. For fitting the bearing means 3 in an inclined longitudinally oriented manner, the carrier 2 is used with the angled portion 27 sloping downward in relation to the plug-in sleeve 4.

FIG. 10

Bearing means 3 fitted in a longitudinally and transversely oriented manner on plug-in sleeves 4 installed at the same height in the carrying structure 9 have their upper edges 38 and/or lower edges 39 positioned in a coordinated manner, by way of dimensioning of the difference in height in the brackets 5 in the region of the first and of the second mounts 51,52 and of dimensioning of the angular-offset portion a on the carriers 2, and of the ability to use the carriers 2 in different directions, that is to say with the angled portion 27 sloping upward or downward in relation to the plug-in sleeve 4, such that all the upper edges 38 end up located on a common horizontal first level L1 and/or all the lower edges 39 end up located on a common horizontal second level L2. This achieves an ordered appearance on a framework which is fitted with bearing means 3 positioned obliquely with a mixture of transverse and longitudinal orientations—as is advantageous in design terms, for example, for displaying shoes.

FIGS. 11A to 11G

While the first version of carrier 1 according to FIGS. 3A to 3C each have an arm-like shank 15 following the plug-in part 10, the first version of carrier 1 according to this series of figures has a primary carrier part 16, or secondary carrier part 19, following the plug-in part 10.

FIG. 11A

The plug in part 10 of the carrier 1 is followed, in one piece, by a primary carrier part 16 which extends transversely and in aligned fashion from the plug-in part 10, is of plate-like configuration and can be used for laying articles thereon.

FIG. 11B

Here, the primary carrier part 16 follows the plug-in part 10 of the carrier 1 in a longitudinally extending manner, and in angled fashion, is likewise of plate-like configuration and can be used for laying articles thereon.

FIG. 11C

The primary carrier part 16 follows the plug-in part 10 in one piece, and in aligned fashion, but is U-shaped with two extensions 17 which project into space and are spaced apart, in principle, parallel to one another. Articles can be laid transversely over the two extensions 17 or can be hung thereon. As an alternative, it would be possible for a lattice-like or plate-like base to be positioned on the extensions in order for articles to be laid thereon.

FIG. 11D

In the next variant, the primary carrier part 16, which follows the plug-in part 10 of the carrier 1, is in the form of a strip with a multiplicity of hooks 18, in order for articles, e.g. belts, to be hung thereon.

FIG. 11E

Here, a secondary carrier part 19 of sheet-like configuration extends from the plug-in part 10 of the carrier 1, this carrier part being intended for plugging into a groove 37 which is located in the rear edge 36 of a shelf-like bearing means 3. In the assembled state, the carrier 1 thus supports the bearing means 3, only the plug-in part 10 with the mating contour projecting out of the bearing means in this state.

FIGS. 11F and 11G

In a further variant, the secondary carrier part 19, which follows the plug-in part 10 of the carrier 1, is in the form of a fork with a freely open slot 190 which is provided, toward the top and bottom in each case, with a buffer 191. If at least two of these carriers 1 are provided, it is possible for the rear edge 36 of a bearing means 3, e.g. a glass shelf, to be fitted into the slots 190. The buffers 191, which consist preferably of rubber or plastics material, serve to prevent slippage, and to safeguard the surfaces, of the bearing means 3. 

1. An arrangement for displaying articles in a hanging or lying state, comprising: a) a plug-in sleeve (4), wherein the latter: aa) has a cavity (42), which is open on the front side and extends into the interior of the plug-in sleeve (4); ab) has, on its inside, an arresting contour (45), which is arranged as an elevation at the top of the cavity (42); ac) is intended for fastening on a rear side (91) of a carrying structure (9); and ad) the cavity (42) opens out on a front side (90) of the carrying structure (9); and b) a carrier (1,2), wherein the latter: ba) has a plug-in part (10,20), which is intended for introduction into the cavity (42) with a rear edge (11,21) in front; bb) the plug-in part (10,20) is of flat cross section and has a mating contour (12,22), which is provided for engagement with the arresting contour (45) on the plug-in sleeve (4) and is designed as an aperture; and bc) serves for receiving articles directly or for supporting a bearing means (3); wherein c) the configuration of the plug-in part (10,20) and plug-in sleeve (4) inevitably causes the plug-in part (10,20) to be introduced into the plug-in sleeve (4) with the rear edge (11,21) lowered, and the engagement between the arresting contour (45) and mating contour (12,22), as a locked state, is established following movement of the carrier (1,2) with the rear edge (11,21) of the plug-in part (10,20) traveling upward, characterized in that d) the arresting contour (45) is arranged centrally at the top of the cavity (42) of the plug-in sleeve (4); and e) the mating contour (12,22) is located axially in the center of the plug-in part (10,20).
 2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a) the arresting contour (45) begins, behind the opening of the cavity (42), with a downwardly running slope (46) and ends at a wedge-shaped formation (47), behind which the cavity (42) is elevated in height again; and b) the mating contour (12,22) is designed as a through-passage which is located in the vicinity of the rear edge (11,21) of the plug-in part (10,20).
 3. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a) the plug-in sleeve (4) is made up, in one piece, of a plate-like, vertical flange (40) and of a sleeve part (41), which extends from a front side (401) and a rear side (402) of the flange (40) and projects through the flange (40) in the process; b) the opening at the front of the cavity (42) contains an elevated shoulder (43), behind which the cavity (42) continues with a downward slope (44); and c) the cavity (42), at a rear exit (48), has a rear wall (49).
 4. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier (2) has a shank (25) which follows the plug-in part (20) and can be docked onto a bracket (5), on which a bearing means (3) is fastened.
 5. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the carrier (2) has an angled portion (27) at the transition between the plug-in part (20) and shank (25), as a result of which the plug-in part (20) and the shank (25) end up located on two parallel planes which are spaced apart from one another by an angular-offset portion (a).
 6. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a) the carrier (2), at the transition from the plug-in part (20) to the angled portion (27), has first shoulders (26), which are produced by widening on either side, in the region of the angled portion (27), in relation to the plug-in part (20); b) the carrier (2), in the region of the shank (25), has second shoulders (28), which are produced by the shank (25) being narrowed on either side as far as its front edge (290); and c) a longitudinal slot (29) is provided, this extending axially into the shank (25) along the center, being open toward the front edge (290) and having a widened portion (291) of, for example, circular shape along its course.
 7. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a) the bracket (5) has a first mount (51) and a second mount (52), these being offset at an angle, preferably by 90°, in relation to one another; and b) it is thus possible for a bearing means (3) arranged on the bracket (5) to be positioned in a transversely or longitudinally oriented manner in relation to the front side (90) of the carrying structure (9) by way of a carrier (2), which is docked in one of the mounts (51,52) by way of its shank (25) and of which the plug-in part (20) rests in the cavity (42) of a plug-in sleeve (4) inserted into a carrying structure (9).
 8. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a) the first mount (51) on the bracket (5) is provided for lateral docking, and the second mount (52) thereof is provided for axial docking, of the shank (25) of a carrier (2); b) a shank (25) of a carrier (2) which is docked in the first mount (51) of the bracket (5) is guided by walls of the bracket (5) which are present on either side of the first mount (51); and c) a shank (25) of a carrier (2) which is docked in the second mount (52) of the bracket (5) is guided by a crosspiece (53) which extends axially into the second mount (52) and travels into the longitudinal slot (29) of the shank (25) as the latter is being docked.
 9. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a) the bracket (5) is at a different height in the region of the first mount (51) than in the region of the second mount (52), as a result of which the bearing means (3) arranged on the bracket (5), and supported by a plug-in sleeve (4) inserted into a carrying structure (9), is at a slant, support being provided here by means of a carrier (2), of which the plug-in part (20) rests in the cavity (42) of the plug-in sleeve (4) and the shank (25) rests in one of the mounts (51,52) of the bracket (5); and b) in each case one latching element (55) projects into each of the mounts (51,52), this latching element being seated on an elastic tongue (54) and, with the shank (25) docked as intended in the selected mount (51,52), coming into arrested engagement with the widened portion (291) within the longitudinal slot (29).
 10. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that bearing means (3) fitted in a longitudinally and transversely oriented manner on plug-in sleeves (4) installed at the same height in the carrying structure (9) have their upper edges (38) and/or lower edges (39) positioned in a coordinated manner, by way of dimensioning of the difference in height in the brackets (5) in the region of the first and of the second mounts (51,52) and of dimensioning of the angular-offset portion (a) on the carriers (2), and of the ability to use the carriers (2) in different directions, that is to say with the angled portion (27) sloping upward or downward in relation to the plug-in sleeve (4), such that all the upper edges (38) end up located on a common horizontal first level (L1) and/or all the lower edges (39) end up located on a common horizontal second level (L2).
 11. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a) the bracket (5), in the region of the first mount (51), which is intended for fitting the bearing means (3) in a transversely oriented manner, is at a lower height than in the region of the second mount (52), which serves for fitting the bearing means (3) in a longitudinally oriented manner; and b) when the bearing means (3) is fitted in a transversely oriented manner, the carrier (2) is used with the angled portion (27) sloping upward in relation to the plug-in sleeve (4) and, when the bearing means (3) is fitted in a longitudinally oriented manner, the carrier (2) is used with the angled portion (27) sloping downward in relation to the plug-in sleeve (4).
 12. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a) for the purpose of fastening the bracket (5), e.g. by means of screws (59) or adhesive bonding, bushings (32) are provided on an underside (31) of the bearing means (3) and fixing elements (50) are provided on the bracket (5); and b) the first shoulders (26) on the carrier (2) can be used for limiting the depth to which the plug-in part (20) can be plugged into the cavity (42) of the plug-in sleeve (4), and the second shoulders (28) on the carrier (2) can be used for limiting the depth to which the shank (25) can be plugged into the mounts (51,52) of the bracket (5).
 13. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier (1) has a shank (15) which follows the plug-in part (10), consists, for example, of cross-sectionally round or rectangular rod material and can be used for receiving articles directly.
 14. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier (1) has a primary carrier part (16) which follows the plug-in part (10) in aligned or angled fashion and: a) is of plate-like configuration and extends transversely or longitudinally in relation to the plug-in part (10); or b) is of U-shaped configuration with two arm-like extensions (17); or c) is in the form of a hook strip with a plurality of hooks (18); and d) the primary carrier part (16) can be used for receiving articles directly.
 15. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a) the carrier (1) has a secondary carrier part (19) which follows the plug-in part (10) in aligned or angled fashion, is, for example, of sheet-like form and serves for fastening a bearing means (3), that is to say preferably by being plugged into a groove (37) in a rear edge (36) of the bearing means (3); and b) the bearing means (3) can be used for receiving articles directly.
 16. The arrangement as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a) the carrier (1) has a secondary carrier part (19) which follows the plug-in part (10), is of fork-like configuration and has an outwardly open slot (190) in order to fit a rear edge of a bearing means (3), e.g. a glass shelf, therein; wherein, b) in order to prevent slippage, and to safeguard the edges and surfaces, of the bearing means (3), the slot (190) may be provided, at least in part, with a buffer (191). 